The Ssese Islands in Uganda are a collection of 84 islands in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria. They vary in size with some like Bugala reaching over forty kilometers in length. Only half of the islands are inhabited. The rest are composed of fishing islands and private property. Most of the Ssese Islands are under the administration of the Kalangala District whose headquarters are in Bugala Island. Entebbe town also controls a few of the Ssese islands. The Islands were named Ssese because of the tsetse flies outbreak and several inhabitants were infected with sleeping sickness.
Bugala is the most populous, urbanized, and frequently visited island. Although the roads are still in poor condition, it contains two banks and popping-up buildings. Kalangala District has a population of around 66,000 residents, of which Bugala Island populates about 26,000 people. Bukasa, Bufumira, and Bubeke are some of the other main islands that can be found in the Ssese islands.
The Ssese islands were long renowned for fishing until lately, when people began to appreciate its geographical position and the tranquil beauty it provides. Ssese islands were named after the abundant Tsetse flies that were discovered in the area. It is located in the center of the Nile’s source on Victoria Lake though the island has not been a popular tourist destination because of a large infection of tsetse flies in the area, as well as the fact that it was notable for being one of the poorest districts in Uganda, with a high HIV rate.
It is worth noting at this point that the Ssese Islands were mostly overlooked for decades, with few individuals exploring them until lately. Although the number of local tourists has increased, the number of foreign tourists visiting the island remains remarkably low for such an astounding tourist attraction. However, things are constantly changing due to the island’s wonderful tourist attractions, and the island has begun to boom with a lot of tourists and local people from different areas spending their leisure time on these islands.
History and background of Ssese islands
Scientists believe that the Ssese islands were created as a result of tectonic movements that elevated two arms of the East African rift valley about a million years ago, causing Lake Victoria to be formed. Some landforms, such as mountains, continued to be elevated within the water bodies, resulting in the formation of what we know as islands. One of the few places where Buganda’s ancient culture and traditions are still followed is the Ssese islands. The history of the Ssese Islands is a subject on which the local populace has many tales to share. According to local legend, the island was created at the same time as the Buganda Kingdom. They assert that Kintu, the original Muganda, was a native of these islands.
According to another source, the Ssese Islands were first inhabited by the Bassese people, who are connected to the Baganda and Basoga but speak a different language called Lussese. The Bassese have their narrative of how the island came to be. They thought Kintu (the first Muganda) dwelt on these islands and founded the Kingdom of Buganda there. Others think the initial residents were Mbirimu, huge spiritual creatures who could transform into human or animal forms. One of the spirits became a lady and gave birth to twins on a terrible day (a boy and a Python). The youngster trained as a traditional healer (Emandwa) and constructed a shrine for his sibling, a python named Luwala.
The majority of the Bassese people abandoned the area in the twentieth century due to an occurrence of sleeping sickness that stole their souls. Some of the bassese returned to the islands once the plaques were eradicated. Unfortunately, by that time, just a few Bassese people remained, and the ancient Lussese language had become defunct and unpopular. The island is presently inhabited by a variety of cultural groups, including the original Bassese, Baganda, Basoga, and other Ugandan tribes who settle on the islands for commercial purposes.
The Major Ssese Islands
The island is separated into two parts: the southwestern Bugala group and the northeastern Koome group. The Koome channel separates these two groupings. Bugaba Island, Bufumira Island, Serinya Island, Buyova Island, Bubeke Island, Funye Island, and many others make up the Bugala group which is the largest. The principal islands in the Koome group are Luwaji Island, Koome Island, and Damba Island. Some of the major islands found on Ssese Island are as follows:
Bugala Island
The largest Ssese island, Bugala Island, has 205 sq. km in size. Possibly the most well-known and frequently visited island is Bugala. Since it is the most developed of the islands, it is most suited to hosting tourists. The administrative center for the majority of the other islands, Kalangala Town, is located on Bugala Island. Several slopes on Bugala Island provide breathtaking views of the lake, approaching ships and ferries, and island life.
The largest palm oil plantation in Uganda is located on the island of Bugala, where locals can find employment. Since the island serves as the hub of all economic activity in the Ssese islands, inhabitants also engage in fishing, agriculture, tourism, and subsistence farming on the island, where they grow crops such as beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, Matooke, and others for domestic consumption.
The most popular pastime overall is fishing, and practically every household has someone involved in the industry. However, because of inadequate fishing practices, young fish are now being overfished, which poses a threat to island residents’ ability to support themselves in the future.
The major source of income will soon be tourism, which is expanding quickly. The several Ssese Islands are visited by tourists from all over the world for weekend getaways, camping trips, and honeymoons due to the gorgeous beaches. Nowadays, it’s among the best things to do when you visit Uganda. The Vervet monkey is the most prevalent primate, although there are also a few colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and snakes on Bugala Island, which is excellent for observing both birds and primates. A few hippos live at the island’s southernmost point, 3 endemic species, including a rat and three different kinds of butterflies, are also protected on Bugala Island.
On Bugala Island, there has been a substantial amount of human activities, and there have been a lot of revelers, so it has been loud. Even though Bugala is peaceful during the week, those seeking a more tranquil location on the weekend might consider isolated islands like Bulago, Bukasa, and Banda.
Bulago Island
One of the biggest Ssese islands is Bulago Island. It extends across more than 510 acres. It has a variety of sandy beaches, all bordered by cliffs and outcropping rocks, giving it a distinctive appearance. When seen from above, Bulago Island resembles a human neck; as a result, the island was given the name “Bulago,” which means “neck” in the local language. Bulago Island is situated east of Entebbe International Airport. Bulago Island is ideal for nature treks and getting away from the bustling metropolis because of its exceptional terrain and stunning surroundings.
One will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake and far-off islands from one of the island’s slopes that favors good photography. Both migratory and resident birds congregate on Island to gorge themselves on the plentiful fish and inland invertebrates. On this island, numerous hotels and resorts have been constructed so that visitors can take in the solitude and beauty of nature.
Banda Island
Banda Island is around 10 acres in size, owned by an individual but open to tourists and other visitors. A beautiful beach with clear waves surrounds the untouched rainforest island. Unlike the busier Bugala Island, Banda Island preserves its tranquility and is ideal for camping, but it also includes pleasant lodging options in the form of cottages for tourists who do not wish to camp.
The typical area to unwind and chill out is Banda Island. From your hammock near the shore, you can observe a variety of fascinating birds, and occasionally otters loitering. To get to the island, proceed to the Kasenyi landing place and hire a boat or canoe to the island. Hiring a speed boat is the more expensive choice.
Depending on your level of adventure and the amount of money in your wallet, there are many different methods to get to Banda. Taking one of the local boats that travel from the Kasenyi landing area near Entebbe to the Ssese islands is the most cost-effective option. The fanciest way is to take one of the MV Brovad or Nyanza Evergreen speed boats, and then take a special hire to Banda from there, but hiring them is more expensive. You can also go to the island via canoe or boat, which are less expensive options.
Ngamba Island
Ngamba Island is around 100 acres in size. The majority of it is covered in rainforest vegetation. The island was converted into a refuge for abandoned and orphaned chimps in 1998. The Ngamba chimp sanctuary attracts hundreds of people each month who come to see the chimps or volunteer as caregivers. Aside from the chimps, Ngamba Island is home to over 119 bird and animal species, including monitor lizards, and Hippos.
The caregiver program is a one-of-a-kind initiative that allows visitors to experience a day in the life of a Chimpanzee Caregiver by becoming Caregivers too! As a chimp caregiver, you will have the exciting opportunity to not only observe the chimps feeding, but also to participate in preparing and feeding their food, as well as assisting the staff with any activities taking place at the sanctuary, such as regular tests, surveillance, and preparing the chimp storage facilities, among other things.
The chimpanzees are the main selling point on Ngamba Island. Chimpanzees are brought after being saved from poachers or when their parents are killed. The chimps are frequently distressed upon arrival at the island as a result of their ordeals with hunters or wildlife smugglers. To minimize intimidation by the older chimps, the orphans are isolated at first and eventually shown to the rest of the population.
Activities in the Ssese Islands
Bird Watching: The Ssese islands are sanctuaries to countless birds. These birds thrive on the lush forests and unreachable swamps found in many of the islands. While on Bugala Island, expect to spot the African fish eagle, hornbills, Palm-nut vultures, paradise flycatcher, pygmy kingfisher, robin-chats, Turaco, and weaver birds
Swimming
Swimming is arguably one of the most popular activities while in any of the Ssese Islands. The most popular swimming area in Bugala is the beach in Mutumbala. Some of the Ssese islands receive crocodiles occasionally from other parts of the lake but these shouldn’t trouble you so much especially when visiting the larger islands. The greatest risk of swimming in Lake Victoria is getting Bilharzia but this is very rare these days and it can be treated with a few shots. If you are afraid of Bilharzia or crocodiles then you can swim in the hotel swimming pool and only go to the beach to relax and enjoy the cool breeze.
Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Ngamba Island was earmarked by the government and Jane Goodall Foundation as a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzee orphans. You can apply to volunteer at the island or just visit to see the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Feeding the chimpanzees at the sanctuary is very popular with tourists and primate lovers but you can also go for bird watching and boat cruises around the Island.
Sport Finishing: Sport fishing is one of the top activities to do in Uganda. Fishing trips are usually arranged to the different fishing villages to catch the largest fish. The main catch here is Tilapia but the real trophy is getting the Nile Perch (the largest fish in Lake Victoria). To engage in sport fishing, international visitors must have a fishing permit. Although you can hire fishing gear from the islands at a good price, it is better to come with your equipment. If for some reason you don’t want to go into the water yourself, you can just simply watch the fishermen from far as they lay their nets.
Wildlife Viewing: The Ssese islands are home to Vervet and Colobus Monkeys. As already noted earlier, crocodiles come to some of the smaller islands occasionally. Hippos can be sighed on the southwestern shores of Bugala. These large mammals and the elusive Sitatungas love the marshy shorelines because they are less visited by humans. The Sitatungas in the Ssese Islands have evolved to have larger horns than the ones seen on wetlands elsewhere in Africa.
Village and Nature Walk: Most of the Ssese Islands have good forest cover. You can take a walk and admire the beautiful green plants and flowers. You can go and discover/visit one of the fishing villages to experience the kind of life the local people go through every day. Poverty and backwardness are still a problem in the Ssese Islands. Most of the fishermen spend their hard-earned money on booze and women.
Playing Beach games and Cycling: After relaxing by the beach and having enough of the beautiful sights, you can join a group of fellow revelers and play volleyball, football, or other beach games.
Agricultural Tours: Agricultural tours are arranged to one of the palm tree and pineapple gardens owned by BIDCO in Bugala. You can also visit the out growers or domestic farmers to learn how they make money by selling to BIDCO. Though the plantations employ many of the locals, conservationists attribute the loss of forest cover and the island’s natural beauty to agriculture.
Quad Biking: Using Quad bikes to explore the Ssese Islands is one amazing and fun thing to do. With the bikes, you can visit the beaches, forests, and fishing villages while having great phones along the way. The Quad bikes used in Bugala are Terrain and do not require any prior experience with a motorbike. The bikes can be used by people of all ages and are more fun when done with friends or family. There is a practice/training session before heading out to the established circuits.
Cultural Visit: The Ssese islands are one of the last strongholds of Buganda’s ancient cultural practices. For those who are brave enough and interested in learning more about Buganda’s traditional religions and culture, visiting the Kihumuro Cave is recommended with reservation. The Kihumuro cave is about 40 meters long with a wide entrance and small exit. Kihumuro means resting place.
The Baganda believe that the ancient gods and spirits rest in these caves. The custodian and his assistants can be seen smoking pipes as they pray to the gods like “Jajja Muwanga”. The cave has a long history that we will not dwell on for now. If you are planning on visiting this cave, prepare to remove your shoes and follow certain rules. Inside the cave are old spears, old bark clothes, coffee seeds, and other fetishes. The cave may appear strange and even weird but prominent people in Uganda visit for blessings in their business and careers.
Visit the John Speke House: John Speke is a famous British Explorer who discovered the source of the river Nile. He came to the Ssese Islands in one of his quests to find the source of the great river. While at the Ssese Islands, he constructed a small house in Lutoboka Forest in 1863. Speke abandoned the house was he discovered that the source of the Nile was in Jinja. The house has remained relatively untouched for over 100 years. Right in the middle of the house stands a tree that is also believed to be over 100 years.
Visit the Nanziri waterfalls
These waterfalls are located on Bukasa Island. These mysterious waterfalls are found close to Wanema’s shrine and the sacred Nanziri cave. Because these are considered sacred areas by the locals, you are required to remove your shoes and talk in very low tones. Your Guide will let you know the rules to be followed while in the place. While at the waterfalls you will notice the remains of various sacrifices to Nanziri (god of the waterfalls) and other spirits like pieces of meat, coffee beans, and coins. People from all walks of life come to this relatively simple place to get blessings, protection, wealth, and fertility. The fishermen come here more frequently to seek blessings before going out to fish. The locals even believe that the water from the falls can cure all manner of diseases.
Other activities visitors to Ssese islands can engage in include canoeing, boat cruises, and horseback riding. It’s important to note that one needs at least three days to see most of what the Islands have to offer. Visitors that go gorilla trekking can try to visit the Ssese islands as an additional activity to do after the strenuous day spent searching for gorillas in the thick forest
How to reach the Ssese Islands
Three ferries currently travel to and from Bugala Island. The first one travels between Kalangala and Nakiwogo in Entebbe. At 8 am and 2 pm, it departs Kalangala for Nakiwogo. It takes three hours to travel to and from Bugala Island. The ferry that travels between Entebbe (Nakiwogo) and Kalangala (Bugala Island) can lift a total of around 10 personal cars and accommodate roughly 100 passengers at once.
The second ferry departs for Bugoma four times every day from Bukakata, which is near Masaka You utilize your automobile or one of the other public cars that are available to get to Kalangala for the remaining 45 minutes of the journey, which lasts about 45 minutes. Despite that, this ferry is not as well-run as the one that travels the Nakiwogo Kalangala route.
The third method of getting to the Ssese islands involves using a private luxury yacht that can move whenever you need it to. Although more pricey, they offer quite comfortable services. To go to the islands from Entebbe, cost roughly $30 per person. Access to the distant islands can also be arranged using local engine-powered boats and speed boats. Some of these engine-powered boats are packed, overloaded, and unsafe without life jackets. They don’t often keep time. Hours will pass while you wait for the boat to fill. If you’re not the adventurous sort, you should avoid using these nearby boats.
Accommodation in Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands’ hotels and resorts primarily provide exceptional service in the low- to moderate price range. The Ssese islands do not seem to have any five-star luxurious hotels, however, the majority of guests will, nevertheless, be happy with the services provided. As one might anticipate, Bugala Island has the highest concentration of hotels. No matter how expensive or moderate they are, all of the hotels and lodges have access to the lake and stunning views. A few of the hotels and lodges are:
Brovad Sands Lodge
Arguably the most well-liked lodging option on the Ssese Islands is Brovad Sands Lodge. It is situated on Bugala Island and offers top-notch amenities. The rooms are completely self-contained and come with free Wi-Fi and plush bedding. Numerous prizes have been given to Brovad Sands Lodge in recognition of their superior customer service and careful attention to client needs. The lodge includes a meeting room, a pool, a sauna, a bar, a restaurant, and beautifully maintained gardens. The crew is well-trained and incredibly nice. For individuals seeking top-notch services in a safe and tranquil setting, this hotel is strongly advised.
Ssese Habitat Resort: One of the nicest resorts on Bugala Island, Ssese Resort debuted in 2008. About 15 self-contained rooms with satellite TV and other amenities make up the resort. Depending on whether you are camping or renting a whole portion for the family, the prices of their rooms vary. The resort has designated a portion of the grounds for campers who bring their tents. Wines, soft drinks, beers, and delicious meals are available at the restaurant and bar for locals to enjoy.
Mirembe Beach Resort: In a wooded region, this resort first opened its doors in 2004. There are clean, independent double and single rooms available. The Resort features a restaurant and bar where guests can select from a variety of foreign and domestic beers and wines. The bungalows range in price between 150, 000- 300,000 Ugandan shillings, and all have beautiful lake views. All meals and daily water are included in the price of camping. If you opt to go camping with your supplies.
Ssese Islands Beach Hotel
On the Ssese Islands, this is a wonderful location to spend the weekend. The hotel is situated squarely within Lutoboka Bay. All of the hotel’s cottages are completely self-contained and come with cozy beds and hot baths. African textiles and artwork are found in every room. You can select a room with a view of a lake, a golf course, or a forest. Regardless of the room, you select it will have a balcony, a television, a desk, a closet for storage, and laundry service. In the hotel’s bar and restaurant, you may have cocktails and delectable international fare. There is a pool table accessible, a spacious parking lot, vehicle rentals, a doctor on call, and other amenities. You can go on a nature walk, swim, and go fishing during your stay at the hotel.
Kingfisher camping site: This is the first lodging establishment you will encounter if you arrive at Bugala Island via a government ferry. The establishment offers lodging, dining, and a restaurant where guests can enjoy regional cuisine. On-site amenities include a night campfire, boat sailing, swimming, and Dstv. One can play volleyball as a pastime on the volleyball court. The cost to reserve a tent is roughly 30,000 Ugandan shillings, while guests who bring their own pay 10,000 shillings. The camping area’s tents are equipped with facilities and bedding.
Hornbill Camp: This facility is located on Kalangala Bay’s Eastern shore. Those who want to unwind and take in the stunning Lakeside without much disturbance will find that the location is tranquil and provides excellent seclusion. Because the majority of the island’s inhabitants and water birds can be easily seen here, birders will love the location of the camp.
What to pack for a trip to the Ssese Islands
Many of the islands found in tropical regions are similar to Uganda’s Ssese Islands. If you’re wondering what to pack for a trip to the Ssese Islands, you should think about packing the following items:
Move with a camera and other gadgets, the islands have amazing scenery and you can’t afford to capture beautiful memories. To have the best experience, you might need to bring binoculars and your favorite music. Don’t forget to bring along enough batteries and our chargers.
Clothing and shoes: Bring swimsuits, sunglasses, sandals, a cap, shorts, skirts, and a maxi dress. Vaseline, toiletries, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap for bathing, and a sponge may also be necessary. A mosquito net, sunscreen, and insect repellent should all be packed when traveling. Evenings on the islands can be very chilly and windy. Bring warm stockings, a scarf, an umbrella, and a rain jacket.
When given prescriptions by your doctor for any conditions like allergies, it is important to contact your hotel in advance to prevent pain and crises. A first aid kit and other personal medications are also essential.
Note: You can access money transfers using MoneyGram and Western Union and withdraw money using your ATM card alternatively in Kalangala if you have your identification documents and local currency with you.
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